Brett Lee's pace and Warne's spin working in tandem against Graeme Smith during the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy produced one of the great bowling partnerships targeting a specific batsman — Lee softening Smith with pace before Warne introduced himself with attacking left-arm variations.
Graeme Smith was South Africa's most dominant left-handed batsman and captain — opening the batting and leading the team's aggressive philosophy. Left-handers face different challenges against leg-spin (Warne's stock ball turned away from them) and right-arm pace (coming into the body).
Australia's combination of Lee's pace and Warne's spin was cricket's ultimate two-weapon attack in limited overs cricket of this era.
ICC Champions Trophy matches were high-stakes knockout cricket. Australia approached with specific plans for each opponent's key batsman. Against South Africa, neutralising Smith early was the priority.
In the 2006 Champions Trophy encounters, Australia targeted Graeme Smith with a two-pronged strategy: Lee's pace from over the wicket aimed at Smith's body, followed by Warne bowling over the wicket to a left-hander with deliveries that spun into his pads or away from his bat. Smith — a left-handed opener — faced both threats simultaneously. Lee dismissed him twice in the tournament; Warne created constant doubt about which direction the ball would turn. Australia won the tournament with Smith among their most heavily targeted opposition batsmen.
Lee opens against Smith — three bouncers, then a full-pitched outswinger that Smith edges behind for 15
Warne comes on with Smith set — over-the-wicket leg-break spins away; Smith plays for different turn
Smith dismissed LBW to Warne for 29 — the ball that went straight on instead of spinning
Australia restrict South Africa's total; win the match comfortably
Australia win the Champions Trophy; Smith unable to post major score against Lee-Warne combination
2006-11-05
Champions Trophy: Lee dismisses Smith early; Warne continues the assault
2006-11-08
Australia qualify from group stage; Smith below tournament average against them
“Graeme Smith is a very good player. Brett and I worked together — he softened them with pace, I took them with spin. It was a good combination.”
“Lee and Warne together — two different challenges simultaneously. You can't settle against either.”
Australia dominated limited-overs cricket through this period. Smith continued as South Africa's most successful opening batsman and captain until 2014, scoring over 27 Test centuries. Against Warne specifically, Smith averaged well globally — the 2006 tournament was an unusual below-par performance.
Warne retired in 2007 after the Ashes. Lee continued until 2012. Their combination in 2005-2007 was one of cricket's great bowling partnerships.
Australia's combined Lee-Warne strategy worked effectively against Smith across the tournament. Smith averaged below his usual standard but Australia's team depth meant the victory was broader than just Smith's dismissals.
The Lee-Warne combination was cricket's last great example of pace-and-spin used in genuine strategic tandem — where each bowler's method made the other more effective. It influenced how coaches think about bowling partnerships.
Australia vs Pakistan
22 November 1981
Dennis Lillee kicked Javed Miandad on the field, prompting Miandad to raise his bat as if to strike Lillee. Umpire Tony Crafter intervened to separate them.
New Zealand vs West Indies
12 February 1980
Michael Holding kicked the stumps out of the ground in frustration after an LBW appeal was turned down against John Parker.
West Indies vs Australia
28 April 1995
Curtly Ambrose got in Steve Waugh's face after being told to go back to his mark. Richie Richardson had to pull Ambrose away. Ambrose then bowled a devastating spell.